Concealing at Work - Waitressing

[randomoutburst]

How much did they charge you if you don't mind me asking?

Exactly what the MSRP is on STI's website - $1110. I was going to just order it from STI but figured I'd rather give a gun dealer the business, plus it gave me an excuse to head out of Sherman for a day, haha!

KD5NRH - I cannot wear my shirt untucked, period, while on shift. Still, once I'm clocked out I always untuck it so I plan on "adjusting" before I head out the door. SmartCarry is looking like a good option since I can do that. Also, you are correct - if I apply at any other restaurant they NEVER call for references. As long as you can do that job they don't care.
I'm not at all worried about getting fired over breaking company policy for carrying a firearm because my new employer likely won't know. If they were to ever actually call my old employer and find out that I had broken company policy in that manner, they can't just bring me in and search me to make sure I don't have a gun. Concealed is concealed and, as long as I find the proper way to conceal my firearm, I won't HAVE to worry about getting fired.

[RPB]

Getting fired is one thing, bearing the reason for the dismissal is something else altogether.

IME, there are certain jobs that potential employers just don't care why you got fired from. (Assuming you're not applying for a similar job.) Food service and convenience stores are pretty high on that list.

Similarly with fast food restaurant cooks I think, and Certified Nursing Assistants and R.N.s since thre's a shortage..

[jeeperbryan]

Umm, I'm like super jealous of your STI. I love that they're made in Texas. I wonder if you could get it sooner by driving down to Georgetown.

As far as carrying it, I'm not sure how you're going to conceal that beauty. I think a snubbie or small 9mm is going to be too big. Maybe getting a small .380 like a LCP, TCP, Sig, or Kel-tec and keep the STI locked in your vehicle? A pocket gun is better than nothing and you'll be able to do all your restaurant duties without noticing it.

[randomoutburst]

Umm, I'm like super jealous of your STI. I love that they're made in Texas. I wonder if you could get it sooner by driving down to Georgetown.

As far as carrying it, I'm not sure how you're going to conceal that beauty. I think a snubbie or small 9mm is going to be too big. Maybe getting a small .380 like a LCP, TCP, Sig, or Kel-tec and keep the STI locked in your vehicle? A pocket gun is better than nothing and you'll be able to do all your restaurant duties without noticing it.

That was part of my decision in buying from STI. Of course, the fact that they offered EXACTLY what I wanted without me having to modify anything was a big factor...but I also prefer to buy things made in the USA and, if possible, our Lone Star state. :) Well, I can't purchase it until I'm 21 anyway so waiting until my birthday is my only option no matter how badly I want it. If I could legally get it sooner, believe me...I would!!

I think if you guys saw me and what I had to wear you might not doubt my ability to conceal it. I'm a small woman, but I'm no stick. I'm sure I can conceal it - I just want to make sure it's concealed as well as it can be concealed...since it IS against company policy and I don't want to be outed. I can easily find another job if I'm found out, but that's a lot of hassle I'd rather not bother with.

I prefer larger guns for two reasons: they're heavier and have less noticeable recoil. I prefer steel frames for the same reason. I will never buy a polymer frame gun again. I had a Kel-Tec PF9...I hated it and sold it after having it about a year. You're right - I could easily conceal it. That's why my husband bought it; I had intended to use it as my carry when I turned 21. The recoil killed my hand, though, and it got to the point where I couldn't hold on to the gun after several shots; I was limp-wristing it because my hand couldn't take it. While smaller guns might be easier to conceal it doesn't mean I can't conceal my 1911 -- I just need to put a little more effort into it. :)

I genuinely think I can conceal my Ranger II with a Supertuck or Crossbreed at work. If I wear it between my left hip bone and navel, my apron conceals everything nicely while I'm on shift. Once I'm off the clock I can untuck my shirt for easy access to my firearm while walking to my car...which is the time I'm most worried about needing it. If necessary I can readjust in the bathroom before heading out to make sure it's both concealed and more readily accessible.

[jeeperbryan]

Umm, I'm like super jealous of your STI. I love that they're made in Texas. I wonder if you could get it sooner by driving down to Georgetown.

As far as carrying it, I'm not sure how you're going to conceal that beauty. I think a snubbie or small 9mm is going to be too big. Maybe getting a small .380 like a LCP, TCP, Sig, or Kel-tec and keep the STI locked in your vehicle? A pocket gun is better than nothing and you'll be able to do all your restaurant duties without noticing it.

That was part of my decision in buying from STI. Of course, the fact that they offered EXACTLY what I wanted without me having to modify anything was a big factor...but I also prefer to buy things made in the USA and, if possible, our Lone Star state. :) Well, I can't purchase it until I'm 21 anyway so waiting until my birthday is my only option no matter how badly I want it. If I could legally get it sooner, believe me...I would!!

I think if you guys saw me and what I had to wear you might not doubt my ability to conceal it. I'm a small woman, but I'm no stick. I'm sure I can conceal it - I just want to make sure it's concealed as well as it can be concealed...since it IS against company policy and I don't want to be outed. I can easily find another job if I'm found out, but that's a lot of hassle I'd rather not bother with.

I prefer larger guns for two reasons: they're heavier and have less noticeable recoil. I prefer steel frames for the same reason. I will never buy a polymer frame gun again. I had a Kel-Tec PF9...I hated it and sold it after having it about a year. You're right - I could easily conceal it. That's why my husband bought it; I had intended to use it as my carry when I turned 21. The recoil killed my hand, though, and it got to the point where I couldn't hold on to the gun after several shots; I was limp-wristing it because my hand couldn't take it. While smaller guns might be easier to conceal it doesn't mean I can't conceal my 1911 -- I just need to put a little more effort into it. :)

I genuinely think I can conceal my Ranger II with a Supertuck or Crossbreed at work. If I wear it between my left hip bone and navel, my apron conceals everything nicely while I'm on shift. Once I'm off the clock I can untuck my shirt for easy access to my firearm while walking to my car...which is the time I'm most worried about needing it. If necessary I can readjust in the bathroom before heading out to make sure it's both concealed and more readily accessible.

Well, if you can do it then by all means go for it.

BTW, tell your husband that he's a good man. I can't tell you how many times I've seen and heard of the husband going out and spending $1000+ on their CHL gun and then buy the wife a cheapo gun they wouldn't carry themselves.

[randomoutburst]

Well, if you can do it then by all means go for it.

BTW, tell your husband that he's a good man. I can't tell you how many times I've seen and heard of the husband going out and spending $1000+ on their CHL gun and then buy the wife a cheapo gun they wouldn't carry themselves.

I've heard of that as well. I'm glad he told me I could buy whatever I wanted. I let him indulge in his guns (he has 12 handguns already) so he said it's only fair I should indulge in mine. I initially was looking at one for almost $3000 and he said we would buy it if I wanted it, but urged me to reconsider the options because I could get a lot more for that price. Glad he pushed me in the right direction!

And because he's such a darling husband I hid away $200 (a difficult feat, since we share everything) and bought him a shoulder rig he'd been eyeing. I called it a "CHL class" gift. He had a month to test it out at home before he got his plastic.

He thinks I'm a keeper, but I think of the two of us HE'S the keeper!

[LarryH]

Well, if you can do it then by all means go for it.

BTW, tell your husband that he's a good man. I can't tell you how many times I've seen and heard of the husband going out and spending $1000+ on their CHL gun and then buy the wife a cheapo gun they wouldn't carry themselves.

I've heard of that as well. I'm glad he told me I could buy whatever I wanted. I let him indulge in his guns (he has 12 handguns already) so he said it's only fair I should indulge in mine. I initially was looking at one for almost $3000 and he said we would buy it if I wanted it, but urged me to reconsider the options because I could get a lot more for that price. Glad he pushed me in the right direction!

And because he's such a darling husband I hid away $200 (a difficult feat, since we share everything) and bought him a shoulder rig he'd been eyeing. I called it a "CHL class" gift. He had a month to test it out at home before he got his plastic.

He thinks I'm a keeper, but I think of the two of us HE'S the keeper!

Congratulations on the STI AND on having a keeper husband, who also considers you to be a keeper. Makes it much easier to remember "as long as we both shall live" when conflict arises.

[randomoutburst]

Good day today - I got new shirts specifically for concealment purposes! I also found a hip OWB holster that fits my Model 60 w/ 3" barrel...for eight dollars!! I tested out the shirts with my revolver and new holster and it's totally concealed.

I also found a shirt with a silhouette of my Model 60 on it! I'll be wearing it (the shirt, not the gun!) when I go to outshoot my little brother next week.


Now I just have to wait until my birthday and I can get my STI I've been drooling over for months already...

[USA1]

randomoutburst, at this rate you'll be a CHL veteran before you even get the plastic.
Good for you.

[laketex]

No real comment on what you can or can't conceal since I've been carrying for all of about 10 days. However, it's great to see that we have more informed, carrying, chl holders here in Grayson county. Nearly everybody I know that has their chl hardly ever carries, and I do not understand that. However, the folks that were in my class at Red River for renewals were so scary that I hope they DON'T carry! Beautiful STI too. I deeply regret the day I sold my colt CCO.

Bryan

[RPB]

No real comment on what you can or can't conceal since I've been carrying for all of about 10 days. However, it's great to see that we have more informed, carrying, chl holders here in Grayson county. Nearly everybody I know that has their chl hardly ever carries, and I do not understand that. However, the folks that were in my class at Red River for renewals were so scary that I hope they DON'T carry! Beautiful STI too. I deeply regret the day I sold my colt CCO.

Bryan

Most bad guys prey on the weaker/less able to defend/less aware.

So, sometimes looking "scary" is a prevantative measure to being robbed ... or even confronted by a bad guy in the first place.

Similar philosophy as: When you see a bear or lion, make yourself look bigger ... so hopefully it is a little less likely to attack you and those around you.

Saves effort trying to de-escalate a situation after a confrontation already occurred, if it can be avoided to begin with.

Signed
Scary-lookin' for your and my safety

(You should have seen some of the undercover narcotics officers I've known )
-------------

randomoutburst, post up when the plastic arrives and let us know if you and the hubby throw a celebration party (Be sure if he takes you to a celebration dinner, that you leave an adequate tip [kidding])

[randomoutburst]

Most bad guys prey on the weaker/less able to defend/less aware.

So, sometimes looking "scary" is a prevantative measure to being robbed ... or even confronted by a bad guy in the first place.

Similar philosophy as: When you see a bear or lion, make yourself look bigger ... so hopefully it is a little less likely to attack you and those around you.

Saves effort trying to de-escalate a situation after a confrontation already occurred, if it can be avoided to begin with.

Signed
Scary-lookin' for your and my safety

(You should have seen some of the undercover narcotics officers I've known )
-------------

randomoutburst, post up when the plastic arrives and let us know if you and the hubby throw a celebration party (Be sure if he takes you to a celebration dinner, that you leave an adequate tip [kidding])

I think laketex meant their shooting skills and/or firearm safety practices weren't the best.

I will definitely let ya'll know when I get my plastic and how I end up carrying at work once I'm able to.
We didn't have a celebration for his CHL; I simply saved up and presented him with $200 for a shoulder rig he had been eyeing. I'm expecting something similar. ;)

[RPB]

I think laketex meant their shooting skills and/or firearm safety practices weren't the best.

Possibly so ... I just get told I look scary sometimes with my big beard, I just ask which they prefer, bearded and scary with my face all covered up, or shaved and so ugly they get scared away anyway

[laketex]

Most bad guys prey on the weaker/less able to defend/less aware.

So, sometimes looking "scary" is a prevantative measure to being robbed ... or even confronted by a bad guy in the first place.

Similar philosophy as: When you see a bear or lion, make yourself look bigger ... so hopefully it is a little less likely to attack you and those around you.

Saves effort trying to de-escalate a situation after a confrontation already occurred, if it can be avoided to begin with.

Signed
Scary-lookin' for your and my safety

(You should have seen some of the undercover narcotics officers I've known )
-------------

randomoutburst, post up when the plastic arrives and let us know if you and the hubby throw a celebration party (Be sure if he takes you to a celebration dinner, that you leave an adequate tip [kidding])

I think laketex meant their shooting skills and/or firearm safety practices weren't the best.

I will definitely let ya'll know when I get my plastic and how I end up carrying at work once I'm able to.
We didn't have a celebration for his CHL; I simply saved up and presented him with $200 for a shoulder rig he had been eyeing. I'm expecting something similar. ;)

Yes. This. One guy didn't know how his firearm operated, and another barely passed his shooting test. Still another managed to sweep the entire class not once, but twice with his gun before he was asked to leave . I think there were 5 renewals, and 3 of them scared the snot out of me with their lack of knowledge, skill, and/or safety.

Btw, I'm in Sherman too and I don't think you'll have any issue with Blankenship's class at Red River. When I first saw your initial photo and noted location, I said...hmmm looks like Johnny Carinos. But then you said it wasn't you. Now I've got to play the game when we go out to eat of trying to spot the 1911 on the waitresses hip....and not getting punched by the wife. Sounds challenging. Always did love a challenge!!!

[Ol Zeke]

I'm clearly an advocate for carrying a 1911 and it almost pains me to say this, but you may want to consider leaving the 1911 locked in your car and carry . . . carry . . . carry . . . (I can't say this) . . . carry a small .380 or a 2" revolver at work. (I'm glad my Mom and Dad aren't alive to see this!) When you're not at work, carry the 1911 and dress around it.

I admire your drive and determination and I wish you lived in my part of the State. I'd be honored to have you in my CHL class.

Chas.

Yeah, I'm right there with you. Couldn't bring myself to say it. I'm glad you have the courage....

I dern near broke into tears before I could finish reading your post...